The king’s orders have authorized me to put the finishing touches on the treaty of commerce and friendship between His Majesty and the United States of America, the fundamentals of which I had the good fortune of negotiating with you and then with your esteemed colleagues. I am utilizing the States General’s packet to send to Mr. Jefferson a copy of the treaty that scrupulously follows the English original. So that I may leave nothing to be desired by you, sir, you will also find herein a copy of the letter I am writing today to the same in Paris.1

I have the honor to be with the most distinguished consideration, sir, your most humble and most obedient servant